Is it Christmas without a dose of pantomime? Probably not for the English-speaking audiences of Cyprus. Fear not, two productions are coming up this December to entertain those in Paphos and Nicosia for not one but seven evenings of jolly good fun.

Coming up first is Rumpelstiltskin, a pantomime that will be presented on December 3-7 at Stage One Theatre in Emba, a play loosely based on the German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. Written and directed by Sian M Williams, “this delightful pantomime takes place many years after the goblin Rumpelstiltskin has turned straw into gold,” organisers say. “With the usual array of vibrant and ridiculous characters, a star-studded cast of local talent perform in this fabulous show. With songs, dances and terrible jokes, you will be singing, laughing and clapping the whole way through.”

Of course, it would not be a complete December without the Anglo Cypriot Theatre’s Christmas panto. A new production is coming to Nicosia’s Satiriko Theatre. On December 14 and 15, directors Ariadne Andreou and Thadd Correia will present The Little Mermaid. Written by Alex Jackson, this little mermaid has all the usual adventures – sings, dances and talks to fish friends as she tries to venture to the surface to find her prince charming. Her twin sister Persil (the pantomime Dame) and best friend Lobster Thermidor try to discourage her, however.

Meanwhile, the evil Octavia tries to take over the kingdom of Atlantis and a series of dark, twisted yet comic events ensue. Get ready for evenings full of fairy tales, extravagant costumes, singing, audience participation and laughs – all in the name of panto!

Rumpelstiltskin

Panto loosely based on the German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. December 3-7. Stage One Theatre, Emba, Paphos. 7.30pm, except 6.30pm on Friday. In English. €10 for children and €15 for adults. Tel: 99-967737. www.stageonetheatre.net

The Little Mermaid

Christmas pantomime by the Anglo Cypriot Theatre. December 14-15. Satiriko Theatre, Nicosia. Saturday: 2pm and 6pm. Sunday: 3.30pm. In English. €10 for children and €15 for adults. Tel: 99-417315. www.ticketmaster.cy